1.25 LU | HSW
The 5 Myths of Zero Carbon Design
Join our annual membership to enjoy unlimited access to all courses and unlimited LU credits.
- Program Level
- Introductory
- Prerequisites
- None
- Advanced Prep
- None
Learning Objectives
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Learning Objective 1
Analyze how architectural design decisions—including building orientation, massing, and envelope optimization—can reduce energy demand by up to 70% and improve occupant thermal comfort.
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Learning Objective 2
Integrate early-phase sustainability strategies into project design to minimize or eliminate the added cost of reduced-carbon outcomes while maintaining building performance and occupant safety.
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Learning Objective 3
Distinguish between operational energy use and embodied carbon across building lifecycle phases, understanding how each impacts environmental health and public welfare.
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Learning Objective 4
Define net zero carbon buildings and understand the difference between net zero energy and net zero carbon, explaining how whole-life carbon accounting impacts building occupants and the environment.
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Learning Objective 5
Appreciate the qualities of form and space that zero net carbon design strategies enable in different climates - from generous canopies, to warm timber and solid massings.
Course preview
Our continuing education courses keep you focused on what matters most in architecture and design. Achieve more with continuing education that blends trusted expertise with real world application.
This course dismantles five common misconceptions that often derail sustainable design efforts to provide architects with a more practical framework for achieving buildings that are closer to true net zero carbon. Participants will learn why net zero carbon is fundamentally a design challenge—not just an engineering problem—and discover how early design decisions regarding building orientation, envelope optimization, and material selection impact future energy demand. Through real-world case studies, including the May Lee State Office Complex in Sacramento, the course shows how cost-effective net zero carbon design is achievable when sustainability strategies are integrated from the earliest project phases. The course examines the limitations of relying on relatively high-tech solutions, and emphasizes the hierarchy of impact decisions have through the life of the project - reducing demand from the first design decisions. Participants will gain clarity on the distinction between net zero energy and net zero carbon, and an understanding of how whole-life carbon accounting—including embodied carbon from materials and operational energy—shapes truly sustainable design. By the end of this course, architects will be equipped to integrate zero carbon thinking into their projects, ask the right questions during project development, and advocate for design strategies that prioritize building performance over technological quick fixes.
Refund Policy
Refund Policy
If you are not satisfied with your continuing education purchase, request a full refund within 30 days of enrollment before a certificate of completion is issued.
Cancelation Policy
Annual continuing education memberships may be canceled at any time from your account settings; access continues through the end of the current billing period.
Complaint Resolution Policy
Questions or concerns regarding course content, credit reporting, or certificates may be directed to Amber Book support at info@amberbook.com.
Amber Book is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 40410829. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA-3837, Option 3). This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.